First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1wry
verb \ˈrī\
wriedwry·ing
Definition of WRY
intransitive verb
transitive verb
: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry
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Origin of WRY
Middle English wrien, from Old English wrigian to turn; akin to Middle High German rigel kerchief wound around the head, Greek rhiknos shriveled, Avestan urvisyeiti he turns
2wry
adjective
: humorous in a clever and often ironic way
: showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc.
wry·er \ˈrī(-ə)r\ wry·est \ˈrī-əst\
Full Definition of WRY
1
: having a bent or twisted shape or condition <a wry smile>; also : turned abnormally to one side <a wry neck>
2
: wrongheaded 1
3
: cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous
— wry·ly \ˈrī-lē\ adverb
— wry·ness noun
See wry defined for English-language learners
See wry defined for kids
First Known Use of WRY
15th century
WRY Defined for Kids
wry
adjective \ˈrī\
wry·erwry·est
Definition of WRY for Kids
1
: funny in a clever or ironic way <a wry remark>
2
: expressing irony <a wry smile>
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